If it involves athletics at Escambia Academy, you can be sure that Mikayla Spruill has given it a whirl.

While the freshman played volleyball, softball, basketball and was a cheerleader, she has found the most success in track and field, placing in four events and earning most valuable player honors at the Alabama Independent Schools’ Association state varsity track meet.

The Nokomis native grabbed first place in the 100-meter and 300-meter hurdles, along with second place in the triple jump and fifth place in the long jump.

“It felt really good,” she said. “I was glad it was over.”

Hurdles are her best event, but she can’t explain why.

“I’m not really sure,” she said. “Coach (David) Walker just helps me a lot on them.”

Spruill said she likes the technique involved with hurdles.

She’s a relative newcomer to track, starting last year, but has found success early on. In her first season on the track team Spruill picked up a junior high state record for the 100-meter hurdles in Division 2A.

She broke the junior high triple jump record this year in Division 3A.

The daughter of Mark and Susan Spruill said out of the sports she plays at EA, basketball and track are her favorite because she likes to run.

As for being able to balance school and a healthy dose of athletic activity during the school year, the honor roll student said it’s not always easy.

“It’s pretty hard, but I make time for it,” she said.

Mark Spruill said he and his wife are proud of Mikayla.

I am proud of her whether she is first or last in an event,” he said.

He also said they one or both of the parents try to make it to all, the sporting events she participates in.

“Both my wife and I try to make them all,” he said.